hidesertwheelin
1/2 ton status
front axles so I can run 15" wheels? I need to replace the calipers anyways when I am swapping the axles over. If someone made some that were already ground down, that would be swell.
CK5
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Does anyone make a smaller caliper for 3/4 ton
- Thread starter hidesertwheelin
- Start date
I don't think there are any 3/4 calipers that will fit without grinding, unless you turn up something aftermarket. I suppose you could use the 1/2 ton hub and backing plate assembly and run 1/2 ton calipers.
My 3/4 tons came with the JB7 brakes, which are heavy duty 3/4ton/light duty 1 ton brakes. I had to do some grinding to make them fit with 15's, but considering the extra stopping power I thought it was worth it. There is an instructional article on the site about how to do it. Really not difficult and there is plenty of material on the caliper so no worries about compromising strength. I upgraded the master as well and the truck stops better than it did before, even with the higher ride height, bigger tires, and more weight.
If you really don't want to grind, you can probably run a spacer (not the best idea on a 10 bolt IMO) or find some wheels with enough backspacing. Just a note, aluminum wheels are out, you'll have to use steelies. You'd have to do too much grinding to fit the thicker aluminum wheels.
My 3/4 tons came with the JB7 brakes, which are heavy duty 3/4ton/light duty 1 ton brakes. I had to do some grinding to make them fit with 15's, but considering the extra stopping power I thought it was worth it. There is an instructional article on the site about how to do it. Really not difficult and there is plenty of material on the caliper so no worries about compromising strength. I upgraded the master as well and the truck stops better than it did before, even with the higher ride height, bigger tires, and more weight.
If you really don't want to grind, you can probably run a spacer (not the best idea on a 10 bolt IMO) or find some wheels with enough backspacing. Just a note, aluminum wheels are out, you'll have to use steelies. You'd have to do too much grinding to fit the thicker aluminum wheels.
1/2 and 3/4 ton use same basic caliper . just the pistion little bigger on 3/4 ton . and rotor is 1" bigger in dia basicly .
there is not much to grind off to clean 3/4 ton with 15" steel wheels. with 4.25-4.50 backspace .
if you have not got rims yet just order 3.0 -3.5 " backspace.
there is not much to grind off to clean 3/4 ton with 15" steel wheels. with 4.25-4.50 backspace .
if you have not got rims yet just order 3.0 -3.5 " backspace.
hidesertwheelin
1/2 ton status
Will the 3.0-3.5" backspace wheels require grinding? I found the following at Summit for cheap
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pcw-98-5882/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/clm-413-5808/overview/
There is no answer to whether or not 15" wheels fit anything bigger than 1/2 ton brakes.
Less backspacing generally helps, but the wheel construction matters a lot too.
Less backspacing generally helps, but the wheel construction matters a lot too.
Probably, but always test fit of course. I'd be prepared to do at least a little grinding. SweetK30 is right, it's predominately the larger rotor that's the problem, which can be avoided if you use the smaller 1/2 ton rotor/hub assembly, caliper, and mounting plate, if you happen to have those parts.
Those wheels will stick out a little more, so bear that in mind.
Those wheels will stick out a little more, so bear that in mind.
4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
I had some steel wheels with about a 3.5" back spacing, there was still some grinding, but really was minimal and only took about 10-15 of real work, most of the work was reinstalling the wheel and removing for the test fit.
You're doing a 3/4 ton swap? Your stock calipers will bolt to the 3/4 ton caliper bracket and work on the 3/4 ton rotors. As stated they use the same calipers just different brackets.
Common solutions to run 15" wheels are to grind the calipers for wheel clearance or use low backspace wheels.
Or, pull the trigger on some new (to you) wheels/tires. 17" H2 take offs are still out there in sets ranging from $200-$500 depending on condition and tires, etc. Not to mention, you will thank yourself with the ease of balancing and better on road stability the larger wheel/smaller sidewall gets you without losing any off road ability. And H2 wheels look great on these old trucks. Summit also has some pretty cheap steel 17" 8 lug wheels if you don't like/can't find H2s. Then sell your 15" set to a Jeeper.
I'll pic whore my wheels for no apparent reason...
Common solutions to run 15" wheels are to grind the calipers for wheel clearance or use low backspace wheels.
Or, pull the trigger on some new (to you) wheels/tires. 17" H2 take offs are still out there in sets ranging from $200-$500 depending on condition and tires, etc. Not to mention, you will thank yourself with the ease of balancing and better on road stability the larger wheel/smaller sidewall gets you without losing any off road ability. And H2 wheels look great on these old trucks. Summit also has some pretty cheap steel 17" 8 lug wheels if you don't like/can't find H2s. Then sell your 15" set to a Jeeper.
I'll pic whore my wheels for no apparent reason...
